At a Glance

The emerald Pacific waters, lush tropical rainforest and volcanic landscapes of Costa Rica are home to an array of plant and animal species as diverse as any on earth. To truly learn about this natural abundance and the rich human culture that has developed around it, you must be immersed in the environment. From hiking to river rafting, swimming to ocean kayaking, expand your mind on a quest to enliven your spirit amid Costa Rica’s tropical beauty, history and culture.

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Hike on cloud forest trails in Poas Volcano National Park, site of the world's largest active crater.

Canoe on the waterways of Tortuguero and paddle outrigger canoes along the Pacific coastline.

Sway your hips, as you exercise and learn the steps to authentic Latin dance.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Erick Castro

Erick Castro grew up in the lowland Caribbean region of Costa Rica, known for its tropical rainforests and diversity of wildlife. At 17, he journeyed to Nebraska where he stayed for nine months and learned to speak English. Upon his return, he became employed at lodge in Sarapiquí, and soon realized he enjoyed working among nature. Erick trained with the Fundacion Neotropica, a respected Costa Rican NGO that promotes conservation and sustainable practices. After completing the course, he went to work for the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) at La Selva Biological Research Station. For six years, he worked closely with international experts in fields such as tropical biology, ecology, and conservation. Erick has worked as a naturalist and birding expert for the past 16 years. When not at work, Erick enjoys birding or taking part in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, white-water river rafting, and scuba diving.

Opening this absorbing account of the history and biogeography of the Central American isthmus with the tale of Columbus, Wallace often weaves his own travels in the region with a crisp overview of exploration, nature and evolution. Natural history buffs and ecologically minded travelers will appreciate this valuable resource.

An appreciative and informative account of the sea turtle, its ecology and field work in Costa Rica by the man who did so much to promote sea turtle research and conservation, first published in 1967. Karen Bjorndal, director of the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, brings the story up to date in a new foreword.

Our favorite biologist-writer returns to the Neotropics in this beautifully illustrated, oversized overview of the rainforest. With chapters on Monteverde and Guanacaste, plants, frogs and snakes, birds, monkeys and jaguars, the sloth, peculiar insects and biodioversity; A marvelous, anecdotal introduction to ecology, evolution and conservation.

Once again fully updated, this 'kayaking bible' covers every known kayaking query, from essentials to advanced hazards. The expert advice is supplemented by black-and-white photos and some classic kayaking stories.

Two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists offer a lucid portrait of the tropics through 17 marvelous essays that introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforests.

A rich concoction of cultural and natural history, archaeological evidence, botanical research, environmental activism and lush descriptions of the author's own adventures, The Chocolate Tree offers an appreciation of the plant and the environment that provide us with this Maya food of the gods.

This guide includes 450 of the most common, interesting and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods that you are likely to encounter. Each has exquisite full-color illustrations.

Activity note: Participants must book flights that arrive into San José, Costa Rica no later than 4:30 p.m. on this day if they plan on attending the program orientation. Some Road Scholar gateways require the use of overnight flights in order to get participants to San José by the suggested time. Please contact your Road Scholar program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you would like to make arrangements to arrive in Costa Rica a day or more before your program.

Afternoon: Upon arriving at the hotel, check in and get your room assignment. Then take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. This program includes a number of bus transfers. The air-conditioned Road Scholar bus does not have a bathroom on board. However, the program includes stops for program activities, meals, and/or basic pit stops that help to break up longer travel times. Stops are built into the schedule for every 1.5 - 2 hours of bus travel. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome Dinner at the hotel with a glass of wine or beer, juice, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Breakfast: At the hotel, choose what you like from the breakfast buffet that also includes juice, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we will board our bus and transfer to Poás Volcano National Park, the oldest designated National Park in Costa Rica. With our Group Leader, we’ll walk on trails to view the active craters, a crater lake, and four habitats including a tropical forest. The Poás Volcano is a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica. Scientists have determined that it has had a long history of eruptions, possibly 11 million years worth. It has erupted 39 times since 1828. The last large eruption was in 1954 and since then Poás has remained relatively quiet. The crater measures almost a mile (1.6 kilometers) across and 1,050 feet (320 meters) deep, earning it a spot on the list of the world’s largest active craters. Occasionally, smoke and steam rise from the crater in geysers that can reach up to 820 feet (250 meters) high. The park also exemplifies Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity with four separate habitiats: scarce vegetation, a stunted forest, a cloud forest. and an area of Arrayan trees. Among the 79 species of birds that have been recorded in the park are robin, hummingbird, and quetzal. The Poás green-yellow squirrel is endemic to the park and shares the habitat with coyotes, long-tailed weasels, skunks, and small feline species.

Lunch: At a typical rural restaurant.

Afternoon: Arriving at a coffee plantation on the slopes of the Central Valley, we’ll have a field trip amid the clean, crisp, air. We’ll explore the plantation, walk between the rows of the coffee bushes, and have a hands-on demonstration (depending on season) of how coffee beans are picked. We’ll also learn about the history of the estate, varieties of coffee plants, coffee production from seedbed to harvesting, processing, and roasting, and sample freshly ground coffee. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax. Before dinner, we will gather for a presentation by a local expert on Costa Rica's natural history.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out and transfer in the morning.

DAY

3

To Tortuguero, River Boat, Kayaking, Sea Turtle Conservancy

Tortuguero

B,L,D

Pachira Lodge

Activity note: The bus drive from San José to the boat dock is about 71 miles, approximately 3.5 hours, partly on unpaved road. The bus drive includes a stop en route for breakfast at a local restaurant. River boat ride to Tortuguero is about 11 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Kayaking about 1 mile, approximately 20 minutes each way, total approximately 40 minutes round trip. Wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the field trips including hiking shoes with closed toes and heels.

Morning: We’ll check out of the hotel, board our bus, and travel in a northeasterly direction towards the Caribbean lowlands. There, we will board a covered motorboat at the dock and begin our river transfer to Tortuguero. This river journey offers a great opportunity to view riverine wildlife and local communities. We’ll transfer from the boat and check in to our lodge with some time to freshen up and relax before lunch.

Lunch: At the lodge, we’ll have a buffet lunch with juice and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: With assistance from the Group Leader and hotel staff, we’ll have kayaking practice as we paddle to the sleepy little coastal village of Tortuguero, which means “lots of turtles.” In 1975 the government of Costa Rica declared Tortuguero a national park in order to protect nesting sea turtles that find this safe haven located location between the Caribbean Sea to the East and the Laguna del Tortuguero to the West. The majority that nest at Tortuguero are green turtles but populations of leatherback and hawksbill turtles are also found from time to time in the rookery. The original residents of Tortuguero were fishermen, earning a living from what they harvested from the surrounding land, sea, rivers, and natural canals. The population of the village today is a mix of predominantly Hispanic, Miskito Indian (Nicaraguan). and Afro-Caribbean cultures. In the 1940s and ’50s, logging companies made more canals for large barges to carry their load of precious logs. Natural resources including the sea turtles were viewed as commodities and readily exploited. Thanks to the efforts of American biologist Archie Carr who was conducting studies in the area, Tortuguero became recognized internationally as a place of noteworthy biological importance. We’ll paddle across the canal to the village and then visit the Sea Turtle Conservancy, established in 1959, to learn about sea turtle conservation efforts in this region. We’ll view an informative video an explore the small eco-museum. After paddling back to the lodge, we’ll have a presentation by a member of the community who grew up in Tortuguero on its history.

Dinner: At the lodge, the dinner buffet includes juice and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: We’ll set out from the lodge in kayaks and paddle quietly along the waterways of Tortuguero, optimizing our opportunities to view wildlife in this natural habitat with minimum disturbance to the environment. As we glide along the edge of Tortuguero National Park, keep your eyes open for birds, monkeys, lizards, and more. This area is also home to an abundance of underwater wildlife including fresh water sharks, caimans, and hundreds of amphibians and reptiles. We’ll then paddle back to the lodge.

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: With our Group Leader, we’ll head out for a hike on local nature trails. In addition to enjoying some good outdoor exercise, this will be an opportunity to look for birds, monkeys, and other wildlife that inhabit this region. We’ll return to the lodge with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY

5

Transfer to Sarapiqui, Hanging Bridges, Cacao, Latin Dancing

Sarapiqui

B,L,D

Selva Verde Lodge

Activity note: The boat ride from Tortuguero to the boat dock is about 1.5 hours. The bus drive from the dock to Sarapiqui is about 63 miles, approximately 3.5 hours including a stop for lunch; partly unpaved road. Wear clothing and footwear appropriate to the field trips including hiking shoes with closed toes and heels.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: Checking out of the hotel, we’ll transfer by motorized boat and bus from Tortuguero to Sarapiquí in the Chilamate Valley, an area with one of the highest degrees of biodiversity in Costa Rica. A number of forests serve as migratory corridors for the more than 400 different species of birds that have been recorded in the area. Sarapiqui’s economy is based on eco-tourism, scientific research, small-scale ranching, and large pineapple and banana plantations.

Lunch: En route.

Afternoon: Upon arrival at Sarapiquí, we’ll check in to the lodge with some time to freshen up and relax. We’ll then ride out for a field trip to a local cacao plantation at Tirimbina Rainforest Center for an up-close look at local agricultural practices and the making of artisanal chocolate. The center currently protects 853.5 acres of mid-elevation forest. One-third of the forest is employed in ecotourism and environmental education, while the rest is left naturally intact. We’ll also explore the center's nature reserve through walks along hanging bridges and forest trails. Tirimbina is located in the La Virgen community within the northeastern lowlands of Costa Rica. It is an internationally recognized, non-profit organization whose mission is to conserve Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest; to increase environmental awareness through environmental education to the local community, students, and eco-tourists; and to accommodate scientific research. We’ll return to the lodge at the conclusion of our field trip.

Dinner: At the lodge, the dinner buffet includes juice and water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Latin dancing is recognized as an exemplary form of cardio exercise. Laugh, dance and socialize while learning the basics during a Latin dance class.

DAY

6

Rainforest Hiking, El Ganador, White Water Rafting

Sarapiqui

B,L,D

Selva Verde Lodge

Activity note: Hiking up to 2 miles, approximately 3 hours; uneven, unpaved trails. Rafting Class I and II whitewater rapids. (Class I: Moving water with a few riffles and small waves; few or no obstructions. Class II: Easy rapids with smaller waves, clear channels that are obvious without scouting; some maneuvering required. This classification system is only a guide; degrees of difficulty vary based on local conditions including water levels. Sturdy water shoes required; no flip-flops.

Breakfast: At the lodge, the breakfast buffet includes juice, tea, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Morning: We’ll hike into the heart of the rainforest and pay homage to El Ganador — Spanish for “winner” — a giant almond tree that towers above the canopy. When the Spanish arrived in the late 1440s, it was already mature. El Ganador is enormous, standing 117 feet (54 meters) high and 46 feet (14 meters) in circumference. A keystone species, the Alemndro tree (Dipteryx panamensis) is a critical part of the endangered Great Green Macaw’s habitat. The life span for this award-winning tree is estimated to be another one or two centuries. What life secrets would you ask a 600-year-old tree that is still standing strong?

Lunch: At the lodge.

Afternoon: Local experts will lead a safety briefing in preparation for our whitewater rafting field trip. The Sarapiquí River winds through a region of Costa Rica called the “Eternal Spring” due to its ever present thick, verdant flora and abundant corresponding fauna. The source is in the mountains and flows down through the rainforest before joining the main body of the river. Moderate rapids, together with calm stretches of river, make this an ideal waterway for whitewater novices. Returning to the lodge, we’ll have a presentation by a tropical biologist on the Sarapiquí biological corridor.

Dinner: At the lodge.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY

7

Transfer to Punta Leona

Punta Leona

B,L,D

Hotel Punta Leona

Activity note: The drive to Punta Leona is about 114 miles, approximately 3.5 – 4 hours.

Breakfast: At the lodge.

Morning: We’ll wake up our muscles and delight our senses on a walk around the grounds at Selva Verde as our Group Leader points out exotic plants and wildlife. We’ll then check out and begin our transfer — from the Caribbean lowlands to the Pacific Coast — on to Punta Leona. We’ll have a stop along the way to stretch our legs.

Lunch: En route.

Afternoon: Continuing our transfer, we’ll arrive at Punta Leona, a resort incorporating coastal jungle and two Pacific coast beaches. After checking in, we’ll have an orientation to the resort, with the remainder of the afternoon free. You might like to stroll on the beach or take a dip in one of the swimming pools.

Dinner: We’ll regroup before dinner for a presentation by a local expert. The date and time of this lecture are subject to change without notification based on the lecturer's schedule. We thank you for your understanding. At the hotel. Buffet plus juice, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

8

Sea Kayak & Outrigger Canoe Paddling, Tarcoles River Boating

Punta Leona

B,L,D

Hotel Punta Leona

Activity note: The drive is approximately 40 minutes each way. Short walk to beach to board canoes; paddling.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: For our next field trip, we’ll ride to the small coastal village of Agujas for a sea kayak and outrigger canoe paddling field trip. Kayaks and canoes have been helping people of the word traverse waterways for centuries. They have been tools of transportation, recreation, and survival! Though canoes and kayaks are now built of fiberglass instead of wood, the design has undergone few modifications through the years. As we dip our paddles into the water, we are creating a link from our modern world to the ancient one. We’ll return to the hotel after our field trip.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll take a boating field trip on the Tarcoles River with our Group Leader, assisted by the boat captain and local expert. The Tarcoles River basin empties the entire western side of the Central Valley in the Pacific coastal region. It includes an area of mangrove swamps and an estuary that create a rich habitat for wildlife. We’ll be on the lookout for residents including crocodiles (Crocodilus acutus), often seen sunning themselves on the muddy river banks.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet includes juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We’ll take a field trip to the Vista Los Sueños Canopy amid 80 acres of lushly forested lands in Herradura, next to Jaco Beach on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Bilingual experts will explain safety procedures and instructions. We’ll then whiz along a zipline through the forest canopy with remarkable views of the surrounding area as well as birds and other wildlife that may be present.

Lunch: At the hotel, the lunch buffet includes juice, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Free Time. The resort’s 750 acres include a wildlife reserve hosting hundreds of indigenous flora and fauna species, and two beaches, one white sand and the other with gray. They are the only beaches in Costa Rica with 3 Blue Flags & Triple A Rating for their water quality, cleanliness, and level of safety for swimmers.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer after lunch tomorrow.

DAY

10

Carara National Park, Transfer to San José, Farewell Dinner

San José

B,L,D

Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center

Activity note: The drive to Carara is about 1/2 hour each way; hiking approximately 2 miles; relatively level paved and unpaved trails; high temperatures and humidity. The drive to San José is about 66 miles, approximately 2 – 2.5 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll ride out to Carara National Park that protects primary and secondary transitional rainforest habitats as well as aquatic habitats. This is also the last natural nesting site for the endangered Scarlet Macaw. As it is connected with some of the forested mountains and hillsides on the Western Slope of Talamanca Range, the Carara area is an important biological corridor for many of the species that seasonally move from the lowlands to the highlands and vice-versa. We’ll learn about the transitional forest then begin our walking field trip with stops at key spots for natural history interpretation of the ecology and other forest dynamics. We’ll also stop if/when there are opportunities for wildlife sightings. We’ll return to the hotel to freshen up before lunch.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: We’ll check out of the hotel and begin our transfer to San José. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our hotel with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated farewell dinner with a glass of wine or beer, juice, water; other beverages available for purchase. Share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Evening: At leisure. Say farewells, finish packing for departure in the morning, and get a good night's rest for the day ahead.

DAY

11

Program Concludes

In Flight

B

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation to First Location.”

Breakfast: At the hotel depending on flight departure time. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

28 Meals

10 Breakfasts

9 Lunches

9 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Salt, Low Fat, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.

Tropical rainforest and beach resort located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Part of the 750 acres is a nature reserve boasting 250 species of birds, a variety of monkeys, sloths, armadillos and a macaw breeding project.

The Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel and Convention Center has 229 spacious rooms with modern conveniences and a long list of amenities that are meant to accommodate business travelers as well as vacationing families. It is conveniently located a short distance from San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport. The hotel has earned a Level 3 Certification for Sustainable Tourism by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.

We recently participated in Costa Rica Rim to Shore experience. We highly recommend this excellent active program and guide Erick Guzman! From hiking and kayaking to zip lining and white water rafting to Latin dancing - great guide, welcoming travel companions- awesome trip!

This program provided a great introduction to the varying aspects of Costa Rica. Visiting both sides of the country, as well as the middle highlands, provided a great feel for the variety in Costa Rica. The physical activity level was not particularly aggressive either. Our guide was excellent.

This trip was a super value! The activities were just right and very safe. Erick was generous with his time and knowledge, and Chicho was the best driver (plus, the air conditioning worked well in his bus). The trip got me out of my comfort zone which was my goal along with learning more about Costa Rica, a country I'd only heard about from others and only with respect to birds. I might take up birding now that I've seen Costa Rica's colorful and diverse assortment. The fresh fruits and vegetables at every meal made it easy to eat healthily. Accommodations were far better than I would have arranged on my own. The humidity existed, for sure, but nothing a few showers a day couldn't take care of. Overall, we really lucked out on the weather. It was considered the end of the dry season. It rained buckets on the arrival day (May 8) but only at night a few times after that and one morning before we headed out. Everything exceeded my expectations. And, as always, the group of fellow Road Scholars were well-traveled and outgoing. Such a great trip!

What a wonderful adventure based trip that visits three unique areas in the country. Wildlife, frogs, birds, monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and two types of macaws, oh my!!paddle in a raft, hike, zip, and kayak your way across beautiful Costa Rica!!

If you are reading this review, stop. Go sign up right now. Go on this trip and you will see and experience a variety of sights, sounds, activities, ecosystems, animals, birds, and beauty that will exceed whatever you're imagining from the description. Our guide Erick was amazing and the driver Alberto "Chicho " made the trip enjoyable, relaxing, and seamless. Just go. You won't regret it.

Thanks Road Scholar for a fabulous trip! Our Costa Rica Rim to Shore Adventure trip went well above and beyond our expectations. From a great guide to beautiful scenery, exciting activities and educational lectures - we learned so much while having a great time. Iguanas and sloths and Macaws, oh my . . . We will be back for more!

The Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure is fabulous. Erick Guzman is an excellent Group Leader. I had a lot more fun than I imagined, made new friends and learned a lot about Costa Rica while participating in some challenging adventures.

Costa Rica: Rim to Shore is an excellent way to visit such a wonderful country. Our guide, Eric, was the best ever and our driver, Omar was excellent and polite. The activities are varied and the length of the trip is perfect. You will not be disappointed if you go on this trip. Pura Vida!

I highly recommend this wonderful program. We saw a lot of wildlife and had so many great sport activities in the rivers, forests, and ocean. It was fun, educational, and enlightening. Every day was special. The tour guide (Erick Guzman) was outstanding.

This was our first trip with Road Scholar, and it was fantastic! We'd always heard great things about Costa Rica, and we were intrigued by the mix of activities on this trip. Our guide, Erick Castro, was terrific: funny, knowledgeable, and patient. He clearly loved his country and helped all of us to understand why.
We got to visit places as varied as Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast -- a place renowned for sea turtle nests -- and the sunny Pacific coast. The accommodations were very good, and in many places we were able to see wildlife ranging from macaws, sloths, tree frogs, and monkeys on the actual grounds of the accommodations.
The hikes were interesting and not too challenging, but my favorite activities were ziplining, sea kayaking and snorkeling on the Pacific coast.
We also loved getting to know the others in our group. We had a mix of individuals from varied backgrounds, but within a couple of days, it felt as though we'd known each other for years.
I highly recommend this trip for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and learning!

Great trip! Good balance of sporting events and seeing the natural wonders of Costa Rica. Zip lines, yes. River rafting was more exciting that I expected, other activities all well done and interesting. Tour guide Ramier was exceptional--always there and knowledgeable with a good sense of humor to boot. Bus was comfortable, lodging in very pretty places, lots of time fooling around on boats which was enjoyable. One more sport we found was ping pong at the last resort so we were glad we brought our paddles too. Fun group and we all got along well and got to know each other.
John (harmonia) Greaves

Erick and Reimer were a delightful team, really relying on the best of each other's strengths. If I knew that all road scholar programs had the same high quality of instructors I would engage in many more.

We just returned home from a trip of a lifetime in Costa Rica thanks to Road Scholar and especially our guides. The trip far exceeded our expectations, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to visit Costa Rica. This trip will not be our last Road Scholar excursion.

Costa Rica Multi Sport Tour was an awesome and epic experience. The welcoming and informative nature of all the people we met and the fantastic leadership of Eric and Reimer made the experience one to never forget.

Wow, what a great trip! We thoroughly enjoyed this Costa Rica adventure. We saw beautiful places, lots of wildlife, had lots of fun and made new friends. Our guide, Luis Vargas, was exceptional! His knowledge, experience and great sense of humor was wonderful! We'll be back!

This tour combines fun physical activities - like kayaking, hiking and zip lining -with the opportunity - through a caring and informative guide - to learn more about nature: birds, insects, reptiles, mammals and plants. I was so glad that I went!

A positive whirlwind of learning experiences! Can't recommend this program highly enough, especially if you have the good fortune to have Reimer Paloma as your guide to introduce you to the natural wonders of Costa Rica's flora and fauna.

This program provided me an opportunity to experience a variety of aspects of Costa Rica in a short amount of time. The multi-sport experiences were fun and I felt safe! The accommodations at Tortuquero's Pachira Lodge particularly immersed me into the rainforest.

Costa Rica is a beautiful, welcoming country. We enjoyed our vigorous hikes, the coffee plantation, kayaking, white water rafting, Zip lining all the great events we participated in while on our visit. Mostly we LOVED our guide Erick Guzman!!! The best!

This trip did not disappoint. We got far more out of this trip than we ever could have by ourselves. The trip leader and accommodations were wonderful. If you want to truly experience Costa Rica, this is the trip for you.

This was a fun and educational program and exceeded all my expectations. The program guide Luis Vargas is outstanding (knowledgeable, fun, informative, etc) and a key reason for the high quality of the program. I hike every week and after this program I will certainly be more in tune with the environment around me.

Calling all nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts! This trip was a perfect mix of physical activity and environmental education. Our leader, Luis Vargas, was one of the best of the 20 RS trips I've taken. I highly recommend it for physically fit participants who are interested in learning about the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of Costa Rica.

Wonderful trip. Luis our guide could not have been better! Great fun, with lots of wildlife to see and wonderful countryside. Learned much about biodiversity, sustainability of nature and the challenges our planet is facing. We will never view our surroundings in the same way again.

Great trip! One of the hikes was quite challenging due to heat, humidity and slippery soil, but well worth it. Bring a pair of smart wool socks to wear with boots provided and quick dry clothing is quite helpful. We never broke out the raincoats.

Costa Rica Rim to Shore Multi-Sport Adventure is a fantastic eco-tour of the country. You will get hot and wet, but the sites and experiences are memorable. Our group leader was Tomas Calleja and he was energetic, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable - he has set the bar high for all future leaders. This trip was a dream come true and I am so glad to have made it.

well this is interesting! before this tour i called Roadscholar more than once about reviews and tips from previous participants. I was told none were currently available which I thought strange and now even more so!!
Overall this was a great experience largely due to the superior tour "guide"
participants should be aware that timetable are often a bit tight and there is not much time for just sitting around after meals and chatting. although there are caveats re the travel times required I did not find this a concern at all. There is so much to look at and questions seemed always to be answered and even welcomed. Re $--don't buy a lot of colones. US dollars accepted easily and at reasonable exchange rates. Accomodatons fine if a bit like our (usa) motels in some spots. also do not depend upon in room refrigeration even if there is a cooling unit in the room.

We tried this program, our first experience with Road Scholar, on the recommendation of friends who'd done it last year. It exceeded our expectations. It offered us a wide variety of activities and experiences. We will do more!

The "Rim to Shore" Roads Scholar trip to Costa Rica was wonderful beyond words. I had never been to Costa Rica nor done a Roads Scholar trip and I cannot say enough good things about both of them. The trip was fabulous in terms of education , fun activities, fantastic locations and food, meeting new friends, AND having Erick for a guide!! He obviously loves his country and presents it in a most appealing way!

This is a terrific program! Lots of physical activities like white water rafting and ziplining are balanced with nature walks and short lectures. Erick Guzman was a fabulous guide. His knowledge of birding and his willingness to share it added so much to the trip. Cannot say enough good things about Erick's leadership. Accommodations and food was superb. Transportation from one point to another always went smoothly. An extremely well organized trip and a delightful experience!

Costa Ricans are generally happy people who want to please. We saw this attitude all over the country. The idea of Pura Vida is really an attitude of gratitute for the world we live in. How refreshing to think that way.

Fabulous adventure! Had Reimer as our guide and one of the nicest and knowledgeable guides ever. Don't hesitate to do this great trip. No kayaking experience was necessary. Take good hiking shoes and good water shoes. Lightweight clothes that breath and dry quickly. Shorts that have
pockets. Small backpack or hiking fanny pack to carry water, binoculars, and bug repellent. Super fabulous trip. DO IT !

This multi sport trip is a fantastic introduction to Costa Rica and the abundance of life in the country. The Tico's are incredibly welcoming. The wildlife is unbelievably diverse. The food is delicious. This trip is a wonderful taste of all these aspects of Costa Rica. Be prepared to get lots of good physical excerise!!

Wonderful mix of activity and education. The mix of bird watching and immersion in surroundings went well with the physical nature of rafting, zip lining, hiking, snorkeling and kayaking. Considering the distance covered the amount of activity is impressive and breaks up the riding.

The program was everything I hoped it would be and more. It was educational, exciting, physically challenging and most of all it provided an opportunity to meet great people and learn about a wonderful country. All of this was made possible by our outstanding guide Erick Guzman. He was the absolute best!

We loved our adventure to Costa Rica! We traveled during the dry season and we had 10 days of glorious weather. The trip activities were exciting, pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I loved every minute. Erick Guzman was our group leader and he was great! His knowledge of the country and its people, his charismatic personality and his kindness enriched our travel time, and quite honestly, will enrich my life forever. Thanks Erick!

Multi-sport Costa Rica was a lot of fun. Everyday had two or three adventures that involved exercise and seeing wildlife. Everyday also included plenty of time for sleep in luxurious hotel rooms and lots of time to enjoy three outstanding meals. Can't beat that combination! We got wet, and laughed and were exhilarated, then had plenty of time to dry off and relax. the guide was such a nice guy, kind and very organized.

What a great trip! I toured in early December, 2016. Much more than I expected.
Our guides, Eric and Ramier were amazing.our driver, Enrique was skillful, helpful and so friendly. THESE GUYS MADE OUR TRIP OUTSTANDING!!
Accommodations, food, lecturers and the Costa Rican people were supreme.
Our small group was friendly and easy to travel with.I hope they enjoyed the trip as much as I.
If you enjoy adventure, the outdoors and caring people....take this tour.

This program was wonderful. Full of a variety of activities and learning opportunities. Ronald, our bus driver, and Erick G., our guide, made a great team! They shared, with pride, their beautiful country- the rainforests, the animals and the friendly fun people! There was a great balance of group activities, lectures and free time. I would highly recommend this trip!!

If sea kayaking, white water rafting, rain forest hiking, snorkeling, zip lining, boat excursions in a beautiful tropical country with diverse plant and fauna with like-minded and active people appeals to you, the Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi Sport Adventure is a perfect choice!

This trip exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Erick Guzman, was terrific, and he showed great knowledge and enthusiasm. We found ourselves part of a great group of people with whom we intend to keep in touch. The plant and animal life we saw on the trip was astounding. Be aware though, that if you go in the rainy season, the humidity can be overpowering and can amplify the physical nature of the activities. This is definitely a trip for people who are in reasonable physical shape. I'm 62 years old and work out on a regular basis, and I found some of the hiking activities a challenge due to the heat, humidity and terrain. Having said that, there were people in our group in their late 70s who were able to handle the activity level. The food and accommodations were above average throughout the trip.

"From Rim to Shore" was fantastic, largely because of its very knowledgeable leader, Erick Guzman and its active multi sports program including kayaking, hiking, white water rafting. Costa Rica is welcoming and is a beautiful country, rich in natural resources. We loved it's philosophy of "Pure Vita" - life is fleeting, enjoy it! It helped that we had a very congenial group of 12 who plan to keep in touch and perhaps travel together again.

Moderately challenging is a good description of this program. New activities for me were ocean kayaking, flying through the air on a canopy tour, and watching giant green turtles coming ashore, laying eggs, and heading back to sea. This was rainy season, so depending on your weather preference plan accordingly.

This tour was the best vacation my wife and I have ever had. Everything was 5 star - and the tour group leader (Eric Guzman) was way way above the expectations we had. He has an amazing skill set that uniquely qualifies him as an amazing guide. The activities, field trips, and lectures were all excellent. We highly recommend you take this tour of Cost Rica - especially if you can get Eric as your leader.

Nearly perfect vacation! There were sporting adventures every day with an emphasis on the ecological diversity of Costa Rica all along the way. I am now really enamored of the less commercialized eastern side of the country.

How can you top the Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure? This trip provided a unique opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Costa Rica while being physically active hiking, whitewater rafting, zip lining, and kayaking.Our fabulous guide, Erick Guzman, an experienced and highly observant naturalist, helped us not only discover camouflaged birds and animals, but marvel at their characteristics and place in the ecosystem. This experience has enriched my life!

This was a superb program. Every activity promised was delivered beautifully. How can one describe waking up to howler monkeys, seeing parrots and caimans (little crocodiles) in their natural homes, paddling quietly through jungle waterways? Most important I think was witnessing a country that cares about its environment enough to protect it through a concerted national effort that prizes, protects and promotes the beauty of its natural resources. Thank you to our amazing guide, Luis, and best wishes to the convivial and capable group I was lucky enough to traveled with.

Road Scholar delivers with the most interesting programs and well informed leaders. Activities and other experiences are managed well, delivered effectively. Don't expect to be pampered, but do expect to receive value for your investment. You get what is promised.

Road Scholar Rim to Shore: Costa Rica Multi Sport Adventure - great trip saw a lot of the country, volcano, rain forest, birds, reptiles, amphibians, much more and learned so much. JUST GO great time will be had.

This is indeed a very active program, and the Moderately Challenging rating is well-deserved as even getting in and out of the kayaks from another boat is not easy, nor is negotiating a 4-mile hike with elevation gain of 400' during an intense tropical rain storm with trails turning into rocks and mud. Unfortunately not even a single afternoon was devoted to the capital city of San Jose, although most of my group of 13 came in a day early so were able to enjoy seeing the colonial buildings and some museums. The lodgings outside of San Jose were an interesting set of buildings amidst lush tropical vegetation. Four nights were without a/c but things do cool down at night. Transportation was in a mini-bus with luggage taking up four seats and things were a bit cramped on the longer transfers. Meals were all hotel/tourist stop buffet with somewhat limited choices in most places warranting careful selection to avoid the mediocre items. Beans and rice were a staple, especially for breakfast, along with lots of pineapple and watermelon. Included beer and wine were served at four of the dinners. The focus on this trip is nature, with lots of stops to look at plants and birds. The guide Roy was very knowledgeable. One can get drenched in one day multiple times, so quick drying clothes are suggested, along with good hiking shoes and a pair of sticks. I recommend this trip to the fit and active nature lover who wishes to enjoy that nature while walking, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and optional deep-sea fishing.

This program was especially enjoyable due to the enthusiasm and knowledge of our leader, Jimmy. I loved the smallness of our group, only nine people that become friends shortly after our adventure began.

Rim to Shore: Costa Rica multi sport adventure was my first experience with solo travel. I had a wonderful time, and met some terrific people. Our guide (Ignacio Arroyo) was pleasant, funny, informative, accommodating, helpful, and it's obvious he loves Costa Rica and wanted us to love it too! I hope to stay in touch with my great travelling companions, and maybe end up on another adventure together.

Excellent program! It exceeded our expectations. Great variety of activities from hikes, white water rafting, zip lining, and dancing. From the description of activities we knew it would be a good vacation, but our guide, Erick Guzman, made it a great experience.
Kim & Larry Colwell

This trip gets an "exceeds expectations" rating. Saw beautiful country, experienced new adventures, accomodations were great, food was good, and last but not least, Erick Guzman, our guide, was the best, and Jimmy our driver kept us save every place we went.

Just returned from an overwhelmingly wonderful visit to Costa Rica. Such a beautiful place in this world! Such wonderful people! I would highly recommend this trip to EVERYONE who is curious about different flora & fauna, & happily willing to participate in challenging activities to get further into the depths of their jungle! Our U.S. citizens can learn much from their efforts to preserve & appreciate their natural gifts.

Over the 10 days spent in Costa Rica we experienced an assortment of tropical environments, each with unique flora and fauna. Having every last detail cared for by our guide, Erick Guzman (fluent, knowledgeable on all aspects of Costa Rica, its flora and fauna, entertaining and endearing) and van driver Omar, was a wonderful way to travel in this challenging environment.
The people in our group were all very pleasant and so much fun to be with. We all felt blessed to be on the same tour and that we were all physically able to keep up with the challenging and busy itinerary, without losing patience with each other. As you can imagine, over 10 days of intense travel we had some interesting conversations and got to know each other very well.

Our Costa Rica multi-sport adventure was a wonderful experience. Our guide was highly experienced and motivated to provide us with the perfect trip. The climate in a rainforest is wet, so prepare for getting wet. If you don't mind getting a little wet, then this is the perfect trip for anyone who wants to see fantastic birds, monkeys, crocodiles, flowers and other beautiful scenery with great housing accommodations. The food was not bad either_I gained 5 pounds.

The Costa Rica trip was a perfect adventure for anyone looking to be active and participate in a natural climate setting - our guide was beyond expectations, his knowledge of the area and his ability to see and share the culture of the country was exceptional. The entire trip was just fun, and for bird watchers, I think perfect.

This program provided a great opportunity to see both coasts of Costa Rica. Our Leader was excellent and shared many insights into the culture and diversity of Costa Rica. The group participants added to the learning experience as well. I would highly recommend this program to those who enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Just returned from the Rim to Shore trip to Costa Rica. This was my first time solo traveling, and it couldn't have been more delightful. I felt included from the beginning and enjoyed sharing the educational adventures with a great group of people. The blend of lectures, field trips, and active adventures was the perfect recipe for a memorable trip. The food was fresh and delicious including local fruits and vegetables. The guide was exemplary! His knowledge and down-to-earth leadership is unparalleled.

The Rim to Shore experience was all we could have hoped for, with a great balance of fun and learning, challenging and less challenging activities, and a guide who was a delight with his vast knowledge and easy personality.

I enjoyed this adventure very much. I was able to try whitewater rafting, which I had not done before. Seeing the green sea turtle lay her eggs was amazing and the birding was fabulous. Our guide was excellent (very knowledgeable) and helped make this trip really fun. Loved the small group of eight, the conversations and sharing of knowledge. Traveling alone, I felt very included by the group.

Excellent guide and activities were varied and very enjoyable. A beautiful country to visit. Great birding. I was well taken care of, great accommodations and food. I loved the small number of participants and their willingness to try new things.